Shays’ Rebellion Reading

Students read an eyewitness-style account describing events linked to Shays’ Rebellion and underline phrases that reveal weaknesses of the national government under the Articles. The passage illustrates the inability of Congress to raise money, enforce laws, or respond quickly to crises. The activity helps students identify textual evidence showing why many citizens doubted the effectiveness of the Articles. It strengthens skills in document analysis, evidence recognition, and understanding major causes for constitutional reform.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Social Studies – Shays’ Rebellion and Government Weakness

English Language Arts – Identifying Evidence in Text

Social Studies – Causes for Constitutional Change

Critical Thinking – Analyzing Historical Narratives

This worksheet is part of our Articles of Confederation Worksheets collection.